One measure, SB 221, bans any gambling at cockfights and was approved earlier this week. The other, HB 108, bans the cockfights themselves, though not until August 15, 2008. The latter measure was given final approval by a vote of 97-1. Gov. Kathleen Blanco is expected to sign both bills in coming days.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation's largest animal protection organization which has been campaigning to outlaw cockfighting for years, commended lawmakers for taking two actions that should spell the end of legal cockfighting in Louisiana, and singled out Senator Art Lentini for his "extraordinary leadership and resolve." The HSUS also recognized House Agriculture Chairman Francis Thompson for the role he played in passing the anti-gambling bill and pushing ahead a cockfighting ban.

"Cockfighting is an embarrassment to Louisiana, and these two bills represent a one-two punch to knock out the barbaric practice in the state," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "With a strengthened federal law against cockfighting in effect and the new statewide ban on gambling, there is very little room for cockfighters to maneuver and they should just pack it in and not invite arrest and prosecution by continuing their unpopular and unethical activity."

For more information, go to hsus.org.